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Around Windham County

Posted:
11/17/2012 03:00:00 AM EST

Saturday November 17, 2012

In Brattleboro...

DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM: The AARP Driver Safety Program, a classroom driver refresher course for mature drivers, will hold a class in Brattleboro at the Brattleboro Senior Center on Monday, Nov. 19. The course explains the changes that occur in vision, hearing, and reaction time as one ages. Content includes coverage of changes in highways, vehicles, and Vermont state law that affect drivers.

This class is being offered at no cost to veterans, those serving in the military, and their spouses. The regular cost of the class is $14, reduced to $12 for AARP members.

AARP volunteer instructor Elliott Greenblott will offer the course using a combination lecture, discussion, and video presentation which will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at approximately 1 p.m.

To register or for more information, contact Greenblott at 802-254-4489 or by e-mail at egreenblott@comcast.net or by going online to www.aarp.org and selecting the home-garden link.

TOYS FOR KIDS: Brattleboro Detachment and Auxiliary Unit 798, Marine Corps League will began scheduling appointments for the Toys for Kids project on Nov. 5. The program helps families in need of assistance for their children at Christmas.

Appointments will be taken between 4 to 7 p.m. only, weekdays only, now through Nov. 21. No appointments will be made after Nov. 21.

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Those wishing to participate in this program must call 802-257-0001 on the specified dates only between 4 to 7 p.m. time. Do not call the American Legion, as they cannot make appointments.

When calling, participants must have Social Security or Medicaid numbers for their children, ages 12 and under, and when coming for the scheduled appointment, they must bring their cards with them.

This program is only for those families who have a genuine need for assistance.

AARP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: For the past six years, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers in Bellows Falls and the surrounding communities have helped residents prepare their Federal and State tax returns. New volunteers are being recruited for the coming tax season. People are needed to work in Bellows Falls at the Senior Center or Rockingham Library as well as at positions in Brattleboro.

It is not necessary to be an AARP member nor a retiree. Experience doing basic tax returns and familiarity with computers are both helpful. Training is provided and ongoing support is offered at each site.

Anyone who has four hours per week between Feb. 1 and April 15, can be provided with the skills necessary to assist people with their taxes and the opportunity to give back to the community. Last year over 130 volunteers helped more than 5,000 Vermont taxpayers across the state. This year the need will be even greater.

"The Tax-Aide program is a great resource for people who are intimidated and confused by the idea of doing their own taxes and who don’t have the money to go to a paid preparer," says Jean Cornish, District Coordinator in Windham County. "Volunteering with the Tax-Aide program is a great way to meet interesting people, learn valuable skills and provide a much needed and appreciated service in your community."

For more information about becoming an AARP Tax-Aide volunteer, e-mail jeancornish@svcable.net or call Jean Cornish at 802-365-7222.

In Putney...

FARMERS’ MARKET: Green Mountain Orchards in Putney will open its retail space again this year to the vendors of the Putney Farmers’ Market. Three winter holiday markets are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, and Dec. 23.

BOOK GROUP: The Putney Library Book Group will meet Sunday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. to discuss "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," by Mark Haddon.

The novel is the improbable story of an autistic boy’s quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog.

The group meets the third Sunday of each month at 7 p.m. at the library and welcomes new members at any time. Discussion is low-key, friendly and stimulating. Information about the group is available by calling 802-387-5548 or e-mailing lgarfield@myfairpoint.net.

In West Dummerston...

MEET ARCHER MAYOR: Archer Mayor will discuss his newest novel, "Paradise City," with the return of Joe Gunther, on Monday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Dummerston Community Center.

Mayor will discuss his tales of mystery and suspense, fiction and non-fiction. Autographed books, new and recent novels, will be available for purchasing, benefit the Community Center which is hosting the event.

The Community Center is handicapped accessible and located at 150 West St., off Route 30, in the West Dummerston Village. For information, call Ann at 802-254-2415 or Jean at 802-254-9212.

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